Nellie McKay - Born in London and raised in bohemian Harlem by her actress mother, vivacious and multi-talented Nellie McKay has quickly set a new standard for diversity and creativity. Her 2004 debut - a two CD set on Columbia Records - was described as "Eminem-inspired Doris Day" and drew comparisons to Randy Newman and Cole Porter. Her latest release, "Normal As Blueberry Pie," is a tribute to her longtime inspiration Doris Day, especially fitting as McKay received the Doris Day Music Award in 2005 for "The Dog Song" in recognition of her dedication to animal rights, one of Day’s passions. Mckay also reviewed a biography of Day for "The New York Times," and is one of the few people in 30 years to be granted an interview with Day (for "The Bark" magazine). McKay, once an aspiring comic, has also won a Theater World Award for her portrayal of Polly Peachum in the Broadway production of "The Threepenny Opera," as well as contributing to "The Onion" and "Interview Magazine." Her music has been heard on "Weeds," "Grey’s Anatomy," "NCIS" and "Privileged."
Marshall Crenshaw - A pop craftsman of the highest order, Marshall Crenshaw‘s limitless supply of catchy melodies and hooks have resulted in hits like "There She Goes Again," "Cynical Girl" and "Someday, Someway." Crenshaw, whose 1982 debut was acclaimed as a pop masterpiece, has played John Lennon in a road show of "Beatlemania," a band leader in the film "Peggy Sue Got Married" and Texas rocker Buddy Holly - one of his main influences - in the film "La Bamba." Crenshaw also authored the book "Hollywood Rock," a survey of rock ‘n’ roll movies. Over the years, Crenshaw’s songs have been covered by artists including Robert Gordon, Bette Midler, Kelly Willis, Marti Jones, and the Gin Blossoms. In 2005, Crenshaw penned the title track for the film "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story in 2005" and returned in 2009 with "Jagged Edge," his first release since 2003.
Elvis Perkins- A singer/songwriter whose music has been shaped by tragedy - his father, actor Anthony Perkins, died of AIDS and his mother, photographer Berry Berenson was on board one of the planes that was flown into the WorldTradeCenter on 9/11. His acclaimed debut, "Ash Wednesday," documented that emotional time in his life. His current release, produced by Grammy winner Chris Shaw, solidifies his band, known for stunning live shows and eclectic instrumentation - from pump organ and harmonium to trombone, clarinet and saxophone. Perkins has performed at the Lollapalooza and Sasquatch music festivals.
AA Bondy - After serving as front man for Birmingham, AL’s gritty Verbena, AA (a.k.a. Scott) Bondy released his solo debut, the stripped down "American Hearts," in 2007. The disc was re-released by Mississippi blues label Fat Possum the following year, landing him a spot on "Late Night with Conan O’Brien," and a rave review on NPR. Bondy was also recently highlighted on Spin.com as one of "10 Must-Hear Acts at Sasquatch Fest."
Zee Avi - Born in Borneo, raised in Kuala Lumpur, and schooled in London, 23-year-old Zee Avi’s debut CD was released jointly by Ian Montone's Monotone Label and Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records. Avi’s break came when she began posting songs she recorded on a webcam on YouTube. The day before her 22nd birthday, Avi posted what she said was her last video, a holiday song titled "No Christmas for Me." Soon, she had nearly 3,000 messages. One of the numerous label offers was from Montone, who had been steered to the clip by Raconteurs' drummer, Patrick Keeler. Soon, Zee was in L.A. recording her debut.
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For more information, including hi-res photos,
contact Adam Harris 304 556 4900.
Scheduled for NPR distribution on November 27, 2009